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Zambia Urges SADC Countries to Ratify the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement

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Zambia Urges SADC Countries to Ratify the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Joseph Malanji, M.P, led the Zambian delegation in Lusaka which participated in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers videoconference meeting from Friday, 12th March, 2021 to Saturday 13th March, 2021.

Hon. Malanji was accompanied by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary International Relations and Cooperation Ambassador Chalwe Lombe, and other senior officials from the Ministries of Finance; National Development Planning; and Commerce, Trade and Industry.

The virtual Ministerial meeting was hosted by the Republic of Mozambique.

During the meeting, Council approved the annual corporate plan and budget for the year 2021-2022. Council deliberated on the COVID-19 pandemic situation in the region; the draft Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-30 implementation plan; the transformation of the SADC Parliamentary Forum into a Parliament; and the Disaster Risk Management and Response, among other issues.

Council conducted a postmortem on the process of selecting candidates for African Union positions to ensure effective coordination and cohesiveness of SADC. On this item, Hon. Malanji conveyed the Zambian Government’s appreciation for the overwhelming support given by fellow SADC member states towards the re-election of Ambassador Albert Muchanga as Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Mining.

Hon. Malanji reaffirmed the Zambian government’s unwavering commitment to working closely with other member states towards making Africa a significant and competitive industrial and leading trading partner in the global economy.

The Minister noted that the huge adverse socio-economic impact of COVID-19 has not only reinforced the need for solidarity but has also categorically shown the importance of harnessing innovation and emerging technologies.

Hon. Malanji stated that the regional and African markets have limitless possibilities and opportunities but that the realisation of the ambitious agenda requires the full participation of all member states.

“The Zambian Government wishes to urge all the remaining member states to deposit their instruments of ratification and submit their respective market offers for the African Continental Free Trade Area to be fully functional. It is only by doing this that we will be able to actualise our development goals, build resilience to external financial and economic crises and foster inclusive growth on the continent,” the Minister said.

Hon. Malanji also conveyed his condolences to the Government of the Republic of South Africa on the death of His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini of the Zulu, who passed away on Friday 12th March, 2021. The Minister further conveyed his sympathies to the countries in the region that had recorded deaths of people owing to Covid-19.

Earlier during the official opening on Friday, Chairperson of the SADC Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Mozambique Hon. Veronica Nataniel Macamo Dlhovo expressed hope that the southern African region would record success under its theme SADC: 40 Years Building Peace and Security and Promoting Development and Resilience in the Face of Global Challenges.

SADC Executive Secretary Dr. Stergomena Tax highlighted the progress recorded in the implementation of regional programmes in areas such as trade, infrastructure development and energy, among others.

Dr. Tax emphasized the need for member states to work towards achieving the long term industrialization objective through encouraging the private sector to exploit the profiled value chains in various sectors for the benefit of the region; and operationalizing the SADC Regional Development Fund to ensure adequate and sustainable funding.

The Executive Secretary called for the acceleration of initiatives to enhance capacities and capabilities of Small and Medium Enterprises for the benefit of citizens in the region; and the finalization of the SADC Digital Economy Strategy which is a necessity, drawing from lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The SADC Council of Ministers is the principal advisory institution to the Summit on matters of overall policy, harmonious functioning and development of SADC.

Minimum Vs Equivalent – A War of Words: My Reflections on My Membership of The Electoral Technical Committee

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Minimum Vs Equivalent – A War of Words: My Reflections on My Membership of The Electoral Technical Committee

By Kellys Kaunda

President Levy Mwanawasa was Head of State at the time the Electoral Technical Committee was set up to reflect on the electoral system and everything that has to do with elections in Zambia and make recommendations. At the time, State Counsel George Kunda (now late) was Minister of Justice and signed letters of appointment for committee members. At the time, I was chairperson of the Media Institute of Southern Africa, the MISA-Zambia chapter.

Chaired by Counsel Mwangala Zaloumis, the Committee traveled around the country and held public hearings receiving submissions from members of the public. Some of the submissions touched on the electoral system while others on the qualifications of candidates. Some of the submissions reflected what had been submitted to previous Constitutional Review Commissions.

To reflect on the submissions and draw up a report, the committee went to Siavonga and stayed for several days. One of the hotly debated submissions was the qualification of presidential candidates and other public offices such as Member of Parliament and Councilor. The opinion was deeply divided over such qualifications as a degree, a diploma or a grade twelve certificate.

While no one was opposed in principle to a degree as the desired qualification, there was a feeling among some members that the committee was going to be seen as targeting some political candidates that were not known to possess degrees. Others felt that the degree was too high a standard and would result in disenfranchising many people.

This debate leaked to the media the following day and I was blamed for it and subsequently ordered to leave the camp. I was to head back to Lusaka the following day but a friend of mine in Lusaka who learnt about what had befallen me decided to drive in the night, arriving around 22hrs, and picked me up.

The spirit behind the submission on qualifications was embedded in the word “minimum”. It was the intention of those that submitted in favor of qualifications that someone seeking public office needed to have evidence that they were educated. They reasoned that the work of governance meant engaging with policy and legislative matters that required some level of education if someone was to make meaningful contributions.

In the end, the law reflected grade twelve as a minimum qualification or its equivalent for President, Member of Parliament and Councilor. According to Section 33 of the Electoral Act No. 12 of 2006 a candidate running for any of these public offices must have, “obtained, as a minimum academic qualification, a grade twelve certificate or its equivalent”.

In the constitutional court ruling, the word “equivalent” has been defined to mean nothing below and nothing above. In effect, any higher qualification is not included in the law as defined. What about the word “minimum”, what if the court had attempted to define this word, would it have made a difference? I think it would. When a minimum standard is set, it means there is a higher standard which is more desirable. The word is used to sympathize with those that may not be able to meet higher standards. In other words, someone is saying, “the standard is this but if you can’t, at least meet this standard which is the lowest I can go”.

Those that submitted had in mind higher standards of education, but they were also sympathetic to those that could not meet them. Subsequently, a compromise was reflected in the law which lowered the threshold to grade twelve. But the court has ruled, so what do we do? Well, my suggestion is this: amend the law immediately and include professional qualifications as acceptable.

Between now and nomination time, parliament can make these amendments and avoid disenfranchising the many professionals that do not have grade twelve certificates.

President Lungu will steal the August election, no election will evict him from State House-Dr Sishuwa

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President Lungu will steal the August election, no election will evict him from State House-Dr Sishuwa

Political Analyst Sishuwa Sishuwa has predicted that President Edgar Lungu will stay in office after August polls because she will rig the election.

Dr Sishuwa also warned Zambians to prepare for another tough five years under President Lungu.

In a series of tweets, Dr Sishuwa declared that President Lungu will win the election but he will not do so democratically.

“I am calling the 12 August General Election. First, Lungu will be on the ballot for a third term because of the ConCourt. Second, he will “win” the election because of the dubious voters’ register,” Dr Sishuwa said.

“Zambia, brace yourself for a minimum of 5 more years of this terrible NIGHTMARE! I see a lot of wishful thinking about Lungu’s term coming to an end in August and an opposition victory in the elections. This wave of optimism is detached from reality. I do not see Lungu being removed from Government through an election. Certainly not an election that he controls,” Dr Sishuwa said.

“If a sitting president is able to both rig an election and control the Constitutional Court, it is hard to see how he or she can ever be voted out of office. It will take a miracle for the current electoral system to deliver a loss for Lungu,” he said.

Dr Sishuwa added, “There are two institutions that can stop him: the PF or veiled threats from the military. Or massive urban riots after results come out, though protesters will face a well equipped police force.”

Dr Sishuwa said many even in the PF want President Lungu to go.

“The last five years have shown us that he is not a bad leader. He is simply not a leader. But those in PF, who can get rid of him, are unlikely to complain if he does whatever it takes to retain power and help them keep their jobs.”

“Lungu’s determination to remain in office rests on two reasons. The first is fear of prosecution. He is already facing questions about the sources of his newfound wealth. Possible prosecution for corruption, embezzlement or criminal misuse of power cannot be far from his mind.”

“The solution, in his view, is to remain in power for as long as possible or until a pliant successor can be installed. In fact, Lungu might already be thinking about changing the constitution to either extend the number of terms permissible or abolish term limits altogether,” Dr Sishuwa said.

“A second reason Lungu may be so unwilling to leave office is that he is beholden to the business and political interests of certain individuals that contributed to his rise. This group is fearful of what might happen if Lungu steps down.”

He added, “This group is fearful of what might happen if Lungu steps down. So, in seeking another term at all costs, the president is not speaking for himself alone.

Dr Sishuwa charged that President Lungu does not qualify to stand for a third term but that he does not expect the ConCourt to confirm this position.

“All considered, Lungu cannot win a clean election. No wonder they created that register.”

He said, “It is possible that the prospect of Lungu’s continued rule is so depressing for many people that they do not want to consider it and so indulge in a kind of fantasy politics whereby he is defeated in a democratic election. Wishful thinking. No election will evict Lungu from Govt!”

“I may be accused of being defeatist for pointing out the likely, dubiously secured, outcome but I think it is important to warn people of what is coming in advance, and to help them prepare an effective response to “What is to be done? How do we wake up from this nightmare?”

Chongo’s Family Thanks Mufulira Council For Honouring “Wawa”

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The family of late Chipolopolo star Harrison “Wawa” Chongo has hailed the decision by Mufulira Council to name a street in his honour.

Harrison Chongo Street is located in Ndeke Township where Wawa built a mansion during his peak days as a player.

Chongo featured for Zambia at four Africa Cup of Nations editions in which he won silver at the 1994 event in Tunisia and bronze at the 1996 tournament in South Africa.

“We are very delighted by the step implemented by Mufulira Municipal to name our street after my late father in Ndeke Village where he resided,” said Chongo’s first born son Castro.

The legendary defender died in 2011 at the time he was coaching his boyhood club Mighty Mufulira Wanderers.

“On behalf of the family, I would like to thank people involved in this project and for recognizing my father for his contribution to the development of Ndeke and football in our country,” said Castro.

Chongo, who played for Saudi Arabian club Al Taawoun from 1992 to 2002, was one of the first developers in Ndeke Township.

Zanaco and Lusaka Dynamos Reach 2021 ABSA Cup Semi’s

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Zanaco and Lusaka Dynamos will meet in the 2021 ABSA Cup semifinals following respective post-match victories in Sunday’s quarterfinal doubleheader played at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.

Dynamos and Zanaco join Konkola Blades and defending champions Zesco United in the last four after they sailed through in Saturday’s doubleheader at the same venue.

In Sunday’s lunchtime kickoff, Dynamos beat Prison Leopards 3-1 in the shootouts after a 1-1 fulltime result.

In regulation time, Dynamos took the lead in the 15th minute off a Tshite Mweshi own-goal before Taddy Etekiama equalized in the 35th minute.

In the final last eight match, Zanaco had to rally twice in regulation time to finish 2-2 against Kabwe Warriors in their Midlands Derby clash.

Akakulubewa Mwachiyaba tapped-in Clement Mundia cross in the 26th minute for Warriors to give them a 1-0 halftime lead.

Moses Phiri then equalized in the 50th minute before Field Kandela restored Warriors’ advantage in the 82nd minute.

Kandela fired in the ball from an acute angle after Prince Mumba’s initial shot came off a Zanaco body and rolled in front him to make no mistake from the tight position on the left goal-line.

But Zanaco striker Rogers Kola struck in the 88th minute to send the match into post-match penalties that Zanaco won 6-5.

The semifinals will be played during the weekend of April 18 at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe with Zesco playing Blades and Dynamos battling Zanaco.

The final will be played during the weekend of April 25 at venues to be announced by FAZ.

Mapoma challenges women take up leadership positions

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Mapoma challenges women take up leadership positions

Women have been challenged to take up leadership positions and participate in the development of the country.

And the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Director General, Josephine Mapoma, notes that women being the backbone of a home are capable enough to jump on decision making positions.

Ms Mapoma stressed that women should not be scared of the unknown, but be courageous and demonstrate the capacity to lead when given an opportunity.

ZANIS reports that Ms Mapoma was speaking during the women celebration Mass held at Saint Theresah Parish in Chainda, today.

The IBA Director General, stressed the need for society to appreciate the women folk for the role they play in society.

“On March 8, 2021, we celebrated women’s day, however we thought that we should appreciate all the women at St. Theresah Parish, because they have really worked very hard to build the church of Christ. They matter a lot because they carry out many beneficial activities,” Ms. Mapoma stated.

She added that women being caregivers should encourage households to be observant of the COVID-19 guidelines if the country is to win the battle against the virus.

And St. Theresa Catholic Parish, priest, Moses Chileshe said God can also use women as a point of inspiration for the world.

“God wants to let us know that he can lift up human hearts, he can touch groups so that we become points of inspiration for the women. Even as we celebrate women’s day, we want to appreciate God for elevating our women,” Father Chileshe told the church.

St. Theresah Parish incoming Women’s Vice Chairperson, Mary Chileshe noted the importance attached to the women celebration day, saying that it is evident of women’s potential in society.

“Women’s Day means a lot to me because we are able to gather in big numbers which means that every woman knows their potential and has risen to the occasion,” Ms. Chileshe stated.

She indicated that women are very instrumental in today’s world and that the notion of women belonging to the kitchen is long gone as they are now vision carriers.

Freedom Sikazwe applies to recontest Mpulungu seat

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Freedom Sikazwe applies to recontest Mpulungu seat

The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) in Mpulungu constituency has started receiving applications from people who wish to stand for different positions under the party ticket in this year’s general elections.

Constituency Secretary, James Ng’andu has since urged every one wishing to contest the various positions under the party ticket to bring their applications to the office.

Mr. Ng’andu revealed that his office has so far received two applications from people wishing to contest the parliamentary seat and another two for council chairperson position.

“We would like to call upon any party member who would want to contest at any level to bring an application.” He said

Mr. Ng’andu said his office will continue to receive applications until the closing date which is March 20, 2021.

“We have so far received applications from Freedom Sikazwe and Leornard Mbao at Parliamentary level and Deo Sichilengwe and George Tembo at council Chairperson Level.” He explained

He added that his office has also received applications from candidates in different wards who want to contest as councilors.

And incumbent Mpulungu Member of Parliament, Freedom Sikazwe has also successfully tendered in his application to recontest his seat.

Mr. Sikazwe explained that he feels he has not finished his service to the people of Mpulungu.

He said he is honored that the people of Mpulungu gave him a chance to serve them and he is ready to continue if they allow him.

“We have achieved a lot with the people of Mpulungu and we will still work hard to achieve more if they allow me to serve them.” He said

Handouts cannot eradicate poverty-Chilangwa

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Handouts cannot eradicate poverty-Chilangwa

Luapula Province Minister Nickson Chilangwa has noted that handouts are not a sustainable way of eradicating poverty in communities.

Mr Chilangwa says this is the reason the government is viciously implementing empowerment schemes for youth and women groups to improve the livelihoods of the people.

Mr. Chilangwa was speaking when he unveiled an empowerment scheme worth K100, 000 for Kawambwa youth and women groups.

Mr. Chilangwa who is also area Member of Parliament said the Patriotic Front Government (PF) does not encourage handouts because they are a short term measure to alleviating poverty.

Mr. Chilangwa handed over hair saloon kits, sewing machines, startup capital, rental fees to women groups and completion certificates to trained youth drivers.

“The PF government has introduced several and real empowerment schemes that are aimed at raising the standard of living for the people across the country,” Mr Chilangwa stated.

Mr. Chilangwa cited the Edgar Chagwa Lungu Multi- purpose Economic Cooperative (ECL MPEC), the youth internship programme, the Presidential Empowerment Initiative Fund (PEIF), social cash transfer among many others.

He cautioned the beneficiaries not to misuse the empowerment packages they have received as doing so will block others from accessing the same.

And Kawambwa Town Council Chairperson, Kalumba Chifumbe called on women and youths in Kawambwa to support President Lungu’s government if they are to continue receiving more empowerment.

Mr. Chifumbe said no past government has ever empowered citizens in the manner that the PF government has done it.

And speaking at the same event Kawambwa District Commissioner, James Kalumba announced that the number of beneficiaries on the social cash transfer scheme has increased this year.

Napsa Stars Grant Coach Fathi Compassionate Leave

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Napsa Stars have announced that head coach Mohamed Fathi has gone on compassionate leave with immediate effect.

Coach Fathi last month lost his father in his home country Egypt.

“The Board and Secretariat of NAPSA Stars Football Club wishes to announce that the club has granted its head Coach Mr. Mohamed Fathi permission to take compassionate leave.”

“Our coach suffered a family bereavement last month and we believe it’s best that he takes some time away from the club to be with his family,” Napsa General Secretary/Technical Director Honour Janza said.

Napsa did not state the duration of Fathi’s leave.

Assistant Kapamba Chintu has since taken over as head coach in an interim capacity.

Lusambo Commissions the Construction of 80 Kilometers of Township Roads in 6 Districts on the Copperbelt

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Lusambo Commissions the Construction of 80 Kilometers of Township Roads in 6 Districts on the Copperbelt

PATRIOT Front (PF) Copperbelt Province Mobilisation Chairman Hon Bowman Lusambo yesterday commissioned the construction of Township roads in Six (6) districts on the Copperbelt province.

Speaking during the commissioning of the roads in Ndola’s Lubuto Township, Hon Lusambo who is also Kabushi lawmaker said this was a clear indication of the love President Lungu has for the people of Kabushi and Zambia as a whole.

The construction of the 80 Kilometers township roads will be carried out by AVIC International Construction company with Kabushi constituency receiving Six (6) Kilometers of the works.

“I am very aware of the road challenges being faced here in Kabushi, hence my Office engaged Central government to ensure that we change the face of Kabushi,” he said.

And Hon Lusambo who is also Lusaka Province Minister noted that President Lungu has been very helpful to the people of Kabushi as the constituency has received unprecedented development from the government under his leadership.

“We thank His Excellency, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu for bringing us roads here in Kabushi because we know that the country is huge and facing various challenges, hence what he has given us means that he really cares for us.”

Bowman Lusambo commissions ?the construction of Township roads in Six (6) districts on the Copperbelt province
Bowman Lusambo commissions the construction of Township roads in Six (6) districts on the Copperbelt province.

Meanwhile, the Kabushi lawmaker cited the construction of the gutted Kapalala market which he said will be one of the biggest market in the country once completed.

And Minister Lusambo assured President Lungu of 100 percent vote in the August 12, general elections. He charged that Kabushi is a done deal for President Lungu and the ruling Patriotic Front party comes August 12 owing to the massive development that the constituency has received.

Hon Lusambo, alias The Bulldozer, has since urged the people of Kabushi and Copperbelt as a whole to ensure that they maintain their number one status in terms of giving the PF party their vote.

“We want President Lungu to win with a landslide victory come August 12. In 2016, we were number One and I want to assure His Excellency, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu that again in 2021, we will be number One,” said Hon Lusambo.

Bowman Lusambo commissions ?the construction of Township roads in Six (6) districts on the Copperbelt province
Bowman Lusambo commissions ?the construction of Township roads in Six (6) districts on the Copperbelt province
Bowman Lusambo commissions ?the construction of Township roads in Six (6) districts on the Copperbelt province
Bowman Lusambo commissions ?the construction of Township roads in Six (6) districts on the Copperbelt province

Vice President Inonge Wina visits flood victims in Kuku compound Lusaka in Pictures

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Vice President Inonge Wina visits flood victims in Kuku compound Lusaka in Pictures
Vice President Inonge Wina flanked by DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe inspecting the drainage system being built to help flooding off Kanyama area at road 55
Vice President Inonge Wina flanked by DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe inspecting the drainage system being built to help flooding off Kanyama area at road 55
Engineers from ZNS and Zambia Army working on the drainage system being built to help flooding off Kanyama area at road 55
Engineers from ZNS and Zambia Army working on the drainage system being built to help flooding off Kanyama area at road 55
Vice President Inonge Wina inspecting the drainage system being built to help flooding off Kanyama area at road 55
Vice President Inonge Wina inspecting the drainage system being built to help flooding off Kanyama area at road 55
Engineers from ZNS and Zambia Army working on the drainage system being built to help flooding off Kanyama area at road 55
Engineers from ZNS and Zambia Army working on the drainage system being built to help flooding off Kanyama area at road 55
Vice President Inonge Wina flanked by DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe inspecting the drainage system being built to help flooding off Kanyama area at road 55
Vice President Inonge Wina flanked by DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe inspecting the drainage system being built to help flooding off Kanyama area at road 55
Vice President Inonge Wina interacts with Kuku Compound flood victims relocated to the up land near Kafue road
Vice President Inonge Wina interacts with Kuku Compound flood victims relocated to the up land near Kafue road
Vice President Inonge Wina with her entourage visiting the place where they relocated Kuku compound flood Victims to the up land near Kafue road
Vice President Inonge Wina with her entourage visiting the place where they relocated Kuku compound flood Victims to the up land near Kafue road
Vice President Inonge Wina flanked by DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe confers with the flood during the tour of Kuku compound
Vice President Inonge Wina flanked by DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe confers with the flood during the tour of Kuku compound
Relocated Kuku compound flood Victims at the new place on the up land near Kafue road
Relocated Kuku compound flood Victims at the new place on the up land near Kafue road
Vice President Inonge Wina with her entourage visiting the place where they relocated Kuku compound flood Victims to the up land near Kafue road
Vice President Inonge Wina with her entourage visiting the place where they relocated Kuku compound flood Victims to the up land near Kafue road
Tents provided by DMMU to Kuku compound flood
Tents provided by DMMU to Kuku compound flood
Relocated Kuku compound flood Victims at the new place on the up land near Kafue road
Relocated Kuku compound flood Victims at the new place on the up land near Kafue road
DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe showing the flooded area to the Vice President Inonge Wina during the tour of the flooded kuku compound
DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe showing the flooded area to the Vice President Inonge Wina during the tour of the flooded kuku compound
Flooded houses in kuku compound in Lusaka
Flooded houses in kuku compound in Lusaka
Vice President Inonge Wina speaking to journalists whilst DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe and Minister Chiefs Lowrance Sichalwe during the tour of the flooded kuku compound
Vice President Inonge Wina speaking to journalists whilst DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe and Minister Chiefs Lowrance Sichalwe during the tour of the flooded kuku compound
Vice President Inonge Wina with DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe inspecting the flood houses in Kuku compound
Vice President Inonge Wina with DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe inspecting the flood houses in Kuku compound
DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe showing Vice President Inonge Wina (c), Minister Chiefs Lowrance Sichalwe (l) and Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary Ellias Kamanga during the tour of the flooded kuku compound
DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe showing Vice President Inonge Wina (c), Minister Chiefs Lowrance Sichalwe (l) and Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary Ellias Kamanga during the tour of the flooded kuku compound

Women cooperatives to be strengthened

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Women cooperatives to be strengthened

The government says it targets to see all empowered women co-operatives in the country become viable and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Minister of Gender Elizabeth Phiri says the empowerment of women co-operatives in Eastern Province is meant to help reduce poverty which one of the major factors contributing to gender based violence.

“President Edgar Lungu wants to see to it that women in Eastern Province and the country as whole are empowered as a way of reducing poverty at domestic level and ending early marriages,” she said.

She says early marriages are rife in Eastern Province and other rural areas mostly due to poverty and would reduce if women and girls are economically empowered.

The Minister of Gender was speaking when she paid a courtesy call on Eastern Province Permanent Veronica Mwiche.

“As Government, we believe that the empowerment of women in the country will make our women to be able to stand up economically and contribute to the national development of the country as well as support their families,” she said.

Mrs Phiri says she is in the Eastern Province to distribute agriculture production and value addition equipment to Women-led cooperatives in Lumwezi, Chipangali, Vubwi, Sinda, Petauke and Nyimba.

Ms Phiri said the agriculture equipment to be donated are nine maize shellers,15 treble pumps, three rice mills, nine oil expellers,12 electric peanut butter making machines, irrigation sets, five egg incubators, one electric hammer mill,100 double deck beehives , 10 swam boxes and 2 honey pressers.

She said through the donation of the agriculture equipment to women co-operatives, Government wants to see women in Eastern Province become effectively productive.

And Ms Mwiche said the donation of the agriculture equipment to women co-operatives will actualize the Government gender policy.

She says the donation will adequately help to liberate the women in Eastern Province from the crutches of poverty.

Ms Mwiche assured the Minister that her office will closely monitor how the women co-operatives will be working with the donated agriculture equipment to ensure the intended impact is realised.

President Lungu’s PF Government Commended for its continued subsidizing of the Agriculture Sector

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President Lungu’s PF Government Commended for its continued subsidizing of the Agriculture Sector

CHIEF Mumena has commended President Edgar Lungu’s PF government for its continued subsidizing of the agriculture sector under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).

He said as a result of FISP, poverty has reduced at household levels as the majority of the citizens were food secure.

The traditional leader was speaking at his palace when Nyimba Investments Head-Sales and Marketing Manager Willings Mulendema paid a courtesy call on him.

Chief Mumena said he was happy that Nyimba has been an active player in the agriculture sector by continuously supplying inputs on time as was witnessed during the 2019/20 farming season.

“I commend the government and partners under FISP. Let’s look at FISP as a survival kit, a game-changer, a strategy for making households achieve food security,” he said.

He said he was impressed to note that Nyimba has already started procuring inputs for the 202/21 farming season. He said the timely delivery of inputs has contributed to the entire North-Western province recording a bumper harvest.

Chief Mumena said Nyimba should continue supplementing the government’s efforts by ensuring that it supplies early.
And Nyimba Head-Sales and Marketing Manager Willings Mulendema said the company would always strive at delivering inputs early. With regards to the 2020/21 farming season,
Nyimba has so far procured over 50,000 metric tonnes. He said Nyimba would start distributing to all the provinces where the company has been engaged by this month end.

He said by June, Nyimba would have completed delivering for the entire nation so as to allow an opportunity to farmers that might be engaged in political activities.

Chief Mumena meeting with Nyimba Investments Head-Sales and Marketing Manager Willings Mulendema
Chief Mumena meeting with Nyimba Investments Head-Sales and Marketing Manager Willings Mulendema

Late “Wawa” Chongo Gets Mufulira Street Name

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Mufulira Council has named a road in the district in honour of the late former Chipolopolo and Mighty Mufulira Wanderers star defender Harrison “Wawa” Chongo.

Harrison Chongo Street is located in Ndeke Township where Wawa built a mansion during his peak days as a player.

Chongo starred for Zambia at four Africa Cup of Nations editions in which he won silver at the 1994 event in Tunisia and bronze at the 1996 tournament in South Africa.

The legendary defender died in 2011 at the time he was coaching his boyhood club Mighty.

“Harrison Chongo brought glory to the Zambia National Team and to the country,” said Mufulira Mayor Gift Mushinge.

“And then to Mufulira in particular because he was coming from a very big team at one time Mighty Mufulira Wanderers.”

“We thought we should honour such people. We are trying to recognise as much as possible those people who have contributed to the country and the town of Mufulira,” Mushinge said.

Chongo played for Saudi Arabian club Al Taawoun from 1992 to 2002.

He once attended trials at English Premier League clubs Crystal Palace and Barnsley FC.

Zesco Toil to ABSA Cup Semifinals After Shootout Victory

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Holders Zesco United needed post-match penalties against Division One side Kansanshi Dynamos to reach the semifinals of the 2021 ABSA Cup.

Zesco overcame Kansanshi 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time of this second quarter final tie.

Keeper Toaster Nsabata was the hero for Zesco after saving one penalty and scoring another during the dramatic shootout at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka on Saturday.

The two teams went to the break with a goalless scoreline.

Zesco went up 1-0 minutes away from the final whistle when scoring through Zimbabwean Tafadzwa Rusike.

Kansanshi keeper Scotch Mwanza ensured the game was decided on penalties when equalizing via an 88th minute penalty to beat Nsabata.

Meanwhile, Zesco have joined Konkola Blades in the ABSA Cup semifinals.

Blades earlier at Woodlands Stadium stunned Forest Rangers 1-0 in the first quarterfinal tie to reach the last four.

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